Endotracheal tube system and method of use

Abstract

An improved endotracheal tube system and method of use is provided. The improved endotracheal tube system includes a standard endotracheal tube, a housing with a first tube that may be positioned within an endotracheal tube and a second tube adapted for attachment to a bag-valve mask. The housing has a CO 2 detector within it. The improved endotracheal tube system may also have a stylet positioned within the endotracheal tube and the housing. The stylet may have a handle attached to it for easy removal from the housing.

1. An interconnection to be placed between an endotracheal tube and bag-valve mask, the interconnection comprising:
 a first tube for attachment to an endotracheal tube and a second tube for attachment to a bag-valve mask; 
 a carbon dioxide indicator on the second tube, in gaseous communication with the endotracheal tube 
 a housing over the carbon dioxide indicator to isolate the indicator from outside air; 
 at least one inlet orifice in the second tube, 
 a carbon dioxide indicator covering the orifice 
 a structure for directing air from the endotracheal tube unidirectionally through the orifice to the carbon dioxide indicator. 
 
     
     
       2. The interconnection of  claim 1  wherein four orifices are spaced around the second tube and the carbon dioxide indicator surrounds the second tube over the orifices and the structure is a fin above each orifice. 
     
     
       3. The interconnection of  claim 2  wherein the orifice is approximately 4 mm in diameter. 
     
     
       4. The interconnection of  claim 1  further comprising an outlet orifice in the housing to promote unidirectional air flow. 
     
     
       5. The interconnection of  claim 4  wherein the outlet orifice exhausts to the outside air. 
     
     
       6. The interconnection of  claim 5  wherein the carbon dioxide indicator is a chemically treated colorimetric indicator paper. 
     
     
       7. The interconnection of  claim 1  wherein the housing is a clear ring. 
     
     
       8. The interconnection of  claim 7  wherein the clear ring has a C-shaped cross section defining a channel for receiving the carbon dioxide indicator. 
     
     
       9. A combination comprising:
 an endotracheal tube; 
 an adaptor with a first tube attached to the endotracheal tube and a second tube for attachment to a bag-valve mask; 
 at least one orifice in the second tube, 
 a carbon dioxide indicator covering the orifice; 
 a fin that projects into the second tube to direct the airflow to the carbon dioxide indicator; 
 a stylet extending through the endotracheal tube and through the adapter to provide temporary rigidity to the endotracheal tube. 
 
     
     
       10. The combination of  claim 9  further comprising a handle attached to the stylet to facilitate removal of the stylet from the endotracheal tube and the adapter. 
     
     
       11. The combination of  claim 10  wherein the handle interfaces the second tube to form a seal. 
     
     
       12. The combination of  claim 10  wherein the handle interfaces with the first tube and the second tube to form a seal. 
     
     
       13. The combination of  claim 9  wherein the airflow directed from the fin is unidirectional across the carbon dioxide indicator. 
     
     
       14. A method of placing an endotracheal tube within a patient and testing for placement within the patient's trachea, the method comprising:
 providing a bag-valve mask an endotracheal tube, an adaptor attached to the endotracheal tube and an orifice, a carbon dioxide indicator covering the orifice and a fin adjacent the orifice, and a stylet within the endotracheal tube and the adaptor; 
 placing the endotracheal tube within the patient; 
 removing the stylet from the endotracheal tube and the housing; 
 placing the bag-valve mask upon the housing and ventilating the patient; 
 directing air with the fin unidirectionally through the orifice to the carbon dioxide indicator, end 
 determining proper placement within the patients trachea by observing the carbon dioxide indicator. 
 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 14  further comprising providing hermetically sealed packaging for an assembly of the endotracheal tube, the housing, and the stylet;
 removing the assembly from the packaging. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 14  further comprising:
 providing a handle attached to the stylet and interfaced with the housing to form an air-tight seal; 
 gripping the endotracheal tube with one hand and pulling the handle to remove the stylet. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 14  further comprising the step engaging the bag-valve mask for one ventilation cycle.